How small is the TacMed Compact Trauma Bandage (CTB) when packaged?
The CTB compacts to L 4 in. × W 3.5 in. × D 0.75 in. (approximately 10cm × 9cm × 2cm) and weighs 1.8 oz (51g). This makes it small enough to fit in a cargo pocket, an ankle kit, a concealed carry accessory pouch, or even a back pants pocket while remaining barely noticeable. The flat vacuum-seal format prevents the bulging profile of rolled bandages. When deployed, it unrolls to 60 in. × 4 in. of elastic wrap with a 5.5 in. × 4 in. sterile wound pad.
Is the CTB an appropriate primary trauma bandage for an IFAK?
The CTB is designed for moderate hemorrhage control and is well-suited as a primary bandage in minimal IFAKs, EDC bleed kits, and ankle medical holsters. For applications requiring coverage of severe extremity trauma, large wounds, or stump management, a full-size dressing such as the standard ETD, OLAES, or Israeli Bandage is preferred. The CTB is best characterized as a 'first-tier' EDC trauma bandage — a definitive upgrade over improvised pressure from a torn shirt — and an excellent backup in kits that carry a larger primary dressing.
What is the shelf life of the TacMed CTB?
The TacMed Compact Trauma Bandage has a 6-year shelf life from the manufacturing date printed on the package. The vacuum-sealed packaging maintains sterility and product integrity during this period under normal storage conditions (cool, dry, away from direct sunlight). The 6-year shelf life is consistent with other TacMed Solutions products including the OLAES family.
Can the CTB be used for wound packing?
The CTB is a pressure dressing, not a wound packing tool. For penetrating wounds with deep cavities, wound packing with a dedicated gauze roll (NAR Compressed Gauze, Wound Packing Gauze) followed by a pressure dressing is the recommended approach. The CTB can serve as the outer pressure layer over packed gauze, using its elastic wrap to maintain compression. As a standalone dressing, the CTB is effective for surface wounds and lacerations on extremities that do not require cavity packing.
Who manufactures the TacMed Compact Trauma Bandage?
The Compact Trauma Bandage is manufactured by Tactical Medical Solutions (TacMed™), headquartered in Anderson, South Carolina. TacMed Solutions is the same company that produces the OLAES® Modular Bandage and OLAES® Hemostatic Bandage — products used extensively by U.S. Special Operations Forces and allied military units worldwide. The CTB carries TacMed's manufacturing quality standards in a significantly smaller and lower-cost package format.
Does the CTB include hemostatic gauze?
No. The Compact Trauma Bandage includes a sterile 5.5" × 4" wound pad and a 60" × 4" elastic wrap — it is a pressure dressing, not a wound-packing kit. For deep wound packing with hemostatic capability, pair the CTB with QuikClot Combat Gauze or carry an OLAES Modular Bandage which includes 3 m of zig-zag gauze.
What wounds is the CTB sized for?
The CTB is designed for moderate extremity hemorrhage — cuts, lacerations, and through-and-through wounds on arms and legs where direct pressure with an elastic wrap controls bleeding. It is not sized for large surface-area blast injuries or penetrating chest wounds. The 5.5" × 4" wound pad covers moderate wound openings effectively.
Why is it vacuum-sealed flat instead of rolled?
Vacuum-sealed flat packaging achieves a 4" × 3.5" × 0.75" compacted footprint versus the cylindrical bulk of a rolled bandage. It stacks efficiently in flat kit compartments, EDC wallets, and cargo pockets without the rattle or unroll risk of loose rolled gauze. The 6-year shelf life is maintained within the vacuum seal.
Is the CTB CoTCCC-recommended?
The CTB is not specifically listed as a CoTCCC-recommended device — CoTCCC recommendations typically address tourniquets, hemostatic dressings, and chest seals. The CTB is a pressure dressing manufactured by Tactical Medical Solutions (the same Anderson, SC facility that produces the CoTCCC-recommended OLAES) and meets the quality standards of military-grade medical supplies.
